When it comes to Supercross royalty, few names carry the same weight as Jeremy McGrath. Nicknamed “The King of Supercross,” McGrath dominated the sport throughout the ’90s, carving out a legacy that is still celebrated today. He wasn’t just a racer—he was a cultural icon, often compared to Michael Jordan in terms of influence and success. For fans of motocross and Supercross, the ’90s will always be remembered as “The McGrath Era.”
Early Days: From BMX Tracks to Supercross Stadiums
Born on November 19, 1971, in San Francisco, California, McGrath grew up in the motocross hotbed of Southern California. His love affair with two wheels started early, racing BMX bikes at just 10 years old. By 13, he was already winning Nationals in the cruiser class and climbing the BMX ranks fast. But when he got a Yamaha YZ80 dirt bike for his 14th birthday, everything changed.
By age 15, McGrath was racing motocross at Perris Raceway and was already dusting the competition. It didn’t take long before he shifted gears fully into motocross, setting the stage for one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.
A Career That Redefined Supercross
Jeremy McGrath’s professional motocross journey began in 1989, and by 1990, he was already winning Supercross races. But it was from 1993 to 2000 when he truly reigned supreme. Those years are famously known as “The McGrath Era.” In that time, McGrath won an astounding 72 main events in the 250cc Supercross class and clinched seven Supercross championships—both records that etched his name in history.
He wasn’t just winning; he was changing the sport’s image. McGrath brought style and flair to Supercross, making it more mainstream and pushing the sport into the spotlight. His “whip” during jumps became legendary, and his rivalry with Jeff Emig added drama to his dominance.
Despite an injury in 1996 that cost him a Motocross championship, McGrath stayed resilient. Even as rising stars like Ricky Carmichael emerged in the early 2000s, McGrath’s name remained synonymous with Supercross greatness.
Making Millions on and off the Track
Jeremy didn’t just collect trophies—he stacked cash. While his race winnings were solid, the real money came from endorsements and business ventures. In the peak of his career, McGrath was making between $3 to $5 million a year. Not bad for a guy who started out racing BMX bikes!
He had high-profile deals with brands like 1-800-COLLECT and Bud Light, the latter paying him around $1 million annually. Factory contracts, bonuses, and merchandise sales added even more to his pot. Over his career, McGrath’s total earnings likely topped $10 million just from racing-related income.
Fast forward to 2025, and Jeremy McGrath has an estimated net worth of around $16 million, thanks to smart business moves and continued involvement in motorsports.
Business Ventures and Media Presence
McGrath was ahead of his time in terms of building a brand. He lent his name to a series of video games—Jeremy McGrath Supercross—that became fan favorites in the late ’90s and early 2000s. He also helped launch Pole Position Raceway, an eco-friendly indoor karting facility that brought electric go-kart racing into the spotlight.
In recent years, McGrath has expanded into the nutrition world, co-founding Arma Sports Inc., a company dedicated to clean, high-performance supplements. Always one to stay connected to his roots, he also hosts a YouTube series called “Science of Supercross” with Kawasaki, breaking down the technical and athletic side of the sport for fans.
Life Off the Track: Family, Advocacy, and Giving Back
At 53 years old, McGrath is more than just a racer—he’s a husband, father, and philanthropist. He married his wife Kim in 2002, and together they have two children. Their family faced a major scare when Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, followed by leukemia in 2012. This life-changing event pushed McGrath to work closely with Be The Match, hosting nearly 40 bone marrow donor drives. Thanks to those efforts, Kim found a donor later that year.
Even today, McGrath is deeply involved with Be The Match, contributing financially and raising awareness about the importance of bone marrow donations. His charitable efforts have become just as much a part of his legacy as his Supercross victories.
Thing Valley Ranch: A Supercross Playground
McGrath’s love for wide-open spaces and motocross tracks carried over into real estate. In 2020, he and Kim listed their sprawling 700-acre Thing Valley Ranch in Pine Valley, California. The property features everything you’d expect from a motocross legend—three motocross tracks, horse stables, multiple homes, solar power, and even a saloon. Though the ranch was pulled from the market after listing for as much as $6.3 million, it remains a private haven for McGrath and his family.
A Lasting Influence
Jeremy McGrath didn’t just race—he changed the game. From dominating Supercross championships to pioneering sponsorship deals outside of traditional motocross brands, McGrath paved the way for how modern riders approach the sport, both competitively and commercially.
Today, whether he’s mentoring young riders, racing off-road trucks (like when he won the Pro 2 Championship in 2017), or building businesses, McGrath continues to push limits.
The “King of Supercross” may have hung up his professional helmet, but his influence on the sport and beyond? That’s still riding high.
